Method of rendering sharp and even cutting edges of implements.



No. 897,529. Patented Aprp 15, I902.

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METHOD OF RENDEBING SHARP AND EVEN CUTTING EDGES 0F IMPLEMENTS.

(Application filed Mar. 23, 1901.)

(No Model.)

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Attorney UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIQEQ OSCAR NEWIIOUSE, OF SAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA.

METHOD OF RENDERING SHARP AND EVEN CUTTING EDGES F IMPLEMENTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 697,529, dated April15, 1902. Application filed March 23,1901. Serialll'o. 52,497. (Nomodel.)

T0 at whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OSCAR NEWHOUSE, a citizen of the United States,residing at San Francisco, in the county of San Francisco and State ofCalifornia, have invented a certain new and useful Method of RenderingSharp and Even Cutting Edges of Implements; and I do hereby declare thefollowing to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention,such as will enable others skilled in the art to whichit appertains tomake and use the same.

This invention and discovery relates to a method for preserving andrendering sharp and even the cutting edges of implements.

While the invention is intended for use in connection with cuttingimplements-such as razors, knives, lancets, and similar instruments yetit may be used and employed for rendering even and sharp the fine edgesof metal, devices or articles other than edged tools.

The invention is carried out with the apparatus and is embodied in thesteps of the method hereinafter described, and defined in the claim.

In the accompanying drawings is shown a simple form of apparatus forcarrying out the invention; but it is of course obvious that many otherforms can be employed and a great variety of changes made withoutdeparting from the invention, and in this connection I have shown arazor-case and will describe the invention in connection with a razor.

In the drawings, Figure l is a longitudinal section of the apparatus.Fig. 2 is a crosssection through the lines 00 m of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is'adiagram showing the blade and its position relative to the magnet.

It is a well-known fact that exceedingly sharp blades, such asrazor-blades, have minute teeth or projections on their edges and thatthese projections will in many cases assume inclinations to the bladeand different from each other. This fact causes what is known as pullingor dragging in shav ing, the hair entering the spaces between theprojections and catching. The microscopic edge of a razor-blade may belikened to a saw with its teeth set, a factI have discovered by closeinspection, and it is the aim of the invention to rectify thisunevenness to a degree that will render the edge for all useful purposeseven and sharp and so by drawing into line these deflected projections.This I have found can be readily accomplished by placing the edge of theblade in proximity to a magnet and retaining it in that position for aperiod of time.

In practice a bar magnet A may be employed,and the same, as shown, maybe placed in the edge of a razor-case B. The razor C is placed in thecase with its blade edge in line with and directed toward the magnet andin proximity thereto, but not in contact there with. The razor shouldalso be held in the plane of the magnet, as any lateral inclination willtend to incline the entire edge. I have therefore provided guides D,secured to the sides of the interior of the case. These guides may beshort or of any length desired. A convenient means for holding thebar-mag net in the case is that shown, wherein the lower edge of thecase is slightly bulged, as at b, the edges of the bar fitting in thebulges.

In practice the razor is insertedin the case, its handle resting on themagnet, thus carrying the blade edge a short distance from the same. Therazor is held in this position and being in line with and the plane ofthe magnet the latter will draw the teeth or projec tions into line.

It is not at all improbable that other theo ries may be advanced as tothe resultant efiect of the magnet on the edge of the blade; but aftervery careful tests and long trials, lasting for months, I have foundthat the beneficial effect is very marked, so much so that a razor canbe used a great many times without stropping or honing, it being onlynecessary to place the blade in proper position relative to the magnetafter shaving and allow it to remain in position for a period of time oruntil it is to be again used. My experience has demonstrated that byplacing the blade near the magnet, as stated, the action of the magnethas practically the eifect of stropping or resharpening, thereforelargely avoiding the necessity of resharpening or stropping. I have alsofound generally that a much truer and better cutting edge is securedthan can be secured by resharpening or stropping.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

The art of rendering a metallic cutting edge 5 in proper condition,consisting in retaining the same in proximity to a magnet With its edgedirected toward the magnet.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

OSCAR NEWHOUSE.

YVitnesses:

OHAs. W. PARKE, D. O. DENNISON.

